City Church San Francisco

"This work, this thing we do through City Hope — This is the redefined fast that the prophet Isaiah speaks of:“Is this not the kind of fast I have chosen?To loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”Isaiah is not describing a ritual. He is describing a revolution of compassion. Not a performance for God—but a life poured out for others.This redefined fast—this courageous calling—is our promise. This redefined fast is a redefined life. A Christ-centered life.“Then your light will break forth like the dawn…”“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer…”“Then your people will rebuild the ancient ruins…”“You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” - Rev. Paul Trudeau

In a time when uncertainty can feel overwhelming, how do we practice remembrance that fuels resilience and hope? This sermon explores the power of collective memory, the importance of ritual, and how looking back can actually equip us to step faithfully forward.Listen in as we reflect on what it means to “remember forward” in our own lives and communities today.

Do you trust in the goodness of God?

We belong — not because of perfection or performance, but because we are cherished.Cherished belonging means we are bound to God and to one another, woven into a garment of grace and love that cannot be unraveled. Even in our brokenness, we are not discarded — we are gathered, mended, and held together by mercy.

This week’s sermon features a special guest from Open Door Legal, inviting us to reflect on the mandate of government through a Jesus-centered lens. How does faith shape the way we see authority, justice, and responsibility in public life? Join us as we explore what it means to hold government accountable while embodying Christ’s call to mercy, truth, and justice.

In our last sermon based off of Howard Thurman's, The Inward Journey, we dive into the wisdom of Ecclesiastes with special guest speaker Amanda Samuel. Together, we explore the call to remember our Creator, the fleeting nature of life, and what it means to seek God with authenticity and depth. Amanda brings fresh perspective and spiritual insight, helping us reflect on how the pursuit of God shapes our daily choices, our hopes, and our inner journey.

As we continue our series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, we turn toward the longing for peace—in our lives, our communities, and our world. Alongside Thurman’s wisdom, we listen to the voice of poet Pádraig Ó Tuama, who closes one of his poems with a simple but profound refrain about choosing love again and again. In a world filled with conflict and division, we ask: What does it mean to let peace begin in us, shaped by the daily choice of love?

We’re all searching for something to give our lives meaning — but what happens when the “treasures” we chase can’t love us back? In this message, we explore the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the piercing words of Jesus to uncover where true fulfillment is found. Whether you’re chasing success, comfort, or romance, the quest for love points us somewhere deeper, richer, and eternal.

Continuing our series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, we explore the deep human longing to feel complete. We confront the truth that neither wealth nor recognition can satisfy the soul’s deepest needs. Thurman invites us to look inward, discovering that true fulfillment grows from connection, compassion, and a life anchored in God.

We return to our sermon series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, turning our attention to Ecclesiastes 4:1-12. Together, we explore how Thurman’s insights call us inward — toward a grounded faith — so we can move outward with courage, resilience, and hope.

This week’s message is a little different — instead of one preacher, you’ll hear from a panel of our high school students fresh from their immersion trip to Memphis. They share stories, moments that moved them, and how walking the streets of history and service shaped their faith. From civil rights landmarks to conversations with local leaders, their reflections will challenge and inspire you to see God’s work in unexpected places.

We are beginning a summer series walking through Ecclesiates and the themes of Howard Thurman's book “The Inward Journey”, which features meditations that address the deepest needs and aspirations of the human spirit. Rev. Joshua Jalandoon invites us to think deeply about what truly matters in our lives.

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches on Luke 14:12-24. "When we follow Jesus’ instructions and go out to the nooks and crannies, cracks and crevices of the neighborhoods and back alleys, we will indeed discover, fearsome, dangerous, and heartbreaking truths about the world. And because of that, we will also find a path to honest lament…to true healing…to complete wholeness…and to authentic connection. "

Pride is about reclaimed dignity and the gift of God’s good news that we are wholly beloved. It’s a gift that lights us up from the inside out and inspires others to shine just as brightly. Hear from our guest preacher Brandan Robertson (the author of Queer and Christian).

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive and loving version of Christianity, God, faith and spirituality. To find out more about City Church San Francisco, you can visit our website www.city churchsf.org or follow our Instagram @citychurchsf#worshipmusic #sanfrancisco #church

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from ⁠John 8:1-111) Find your sand. Find a way to pause. Take a breath. Count to ten.2) Examine your stones. Ask yourself: Am I seeking justice or revenge? Am I trying to restore relationship or win a fight?3) Practice spiritual hospitality with someone you disagree with. In person.4) Bring your stones to community. Relationships and spaces where we can practice together being called out, called in, and called beloved by God.

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive and loving version of Christianity, God, faith and spirituality. To find out more about City Church San Francisco, you can visit our website www.city churchsf.org or follow our Instagram @citychurchsf#worshipmusic #sanfrancisco #church

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-12

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive and loving version of Christianity, God, faith and spirituality. To find out more about City Church San Francisco, you can visit our website www.city churchsf.org or follow our Instagram @citychurchsf#worshipmusic #sanfrancisco #church

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Matthew 7:1-12